Eight months into its first year, the Obama administration could still try harder when it comes to electronic privacy and digital rights, according to a report card issued by an advocacy group.

US government officials are reported to be watching India with interest, where the government has taken the major national security step of recommending a ban on international internet telephony until a system to trace the calls is in place.

The Websense Security Labs report on the state of internet security for the first half of 2009, has found that the number of malicious websites has increased 233% over the last six months, and 671% over the last year.

Microsoft is releasing new tools to expose security vulnerabilities in new and updated software.

Breaches, threats, protections and security directions – we summarise what’s been happening in the world of information security over the past week.

Self-confessed hacker Gary McKinnon, who gained unauthorised access to multiple Pentagon computer systems, will learn this week whether an application for an appeal in his case will be heard by the Supreme Court, the new highest court in the UK.

Research just released by Computerlinks, a UK distributor of IT security and internet technology products, shows that a sizeable number of businesses are failing to protect their most sensitive data.

Fran Howarth, a principal analyst with Quocirca, the business and IT analysis research firm, has penned a report on strong authentication.

Gemalto, the French digital security firm, has acquired Trusted Logic, a provider of security software for mobile devices.

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